ASSEMBLY Members are to look at ways of boosting sea and air ports' contribution to the Welsh economy.

News of the enterprise and business commitee's inquiry comes amid turbulent economic times, which have knock-on effects for the transport industry in Wales.

Recent figures showed Cardiff Airport has continued to see its passenger levels fall.

And last November, ferry company Fastline announced the recently re-established Swansea to Cork service would be halted during the winter months. It is set to resume between April and September.

Although ports and airports policy comes under the remit of the UK Government, Wales does have powers that cover transport links and financial help.

The inquiry will look at the importance of major Welsh ports and airports to the economy of their regions and to Wales as a whole.

Committee chairman and Monmouth AM Nick Ramsay said Wales had been trying to raise its profile on the world stage by establishing its identity as a devolved nation to boost international trade and tourism links.

However, he warned if Wales was unable to connect with the world via its ports and airports, it made these ambitions "much more difficult to realise’’.

Mr Ramsay, a Welsh Conservative AM, added: "This inquiry intends to answer the key questions surrounding the future and potential of our ports and airports: what is the Welsh Government doing to support them and to what extent do Welsh ministers work with their counterparts in the UK Government to support their development?’’ One area AMs will examine is the decline in business at Cardiff Airport.

Over the past three years its passenger levels have fallen more than any other major regional airport in the UK.

However, it did receive a boost earlier this month when low-cost airline Vueling announced it was to expand its flights from the Welsh airport to Spain.

From June 22, the firm will fly three times a week to Alicante and Palma, Majorca.

Steve Hodgetts, Cardiff Airport's planning and commercial director, said : "We welcome the current high profile of Cardiff Airport in government and the realisation of its links to the economic wellbeing of Wales.

"The proposed inquiry provides an opportunity to improve the understanding of how the Government's tangible support for air transport and connectivity can assist in meeting Wales' expectations and aiding economic recovery.’’